Oklahoma’s only American Ballet Theatre® Certified School
The Yvonne Chouteau School is the official school of Oklahoma City Ballet and Oklahoma’s only American Ballet Theatre® Certified School, offering classes for students ages three to adult from beginner to advanced levels. Our students share a facility with the professional company, enriching each student’s experience by allowing them to observe those dancers in classes, rehearsals, and performances. Students are also offered opportunities to perform with the Oklahoma City Ballet in productions such as Devon Energy’s The Nutcracker.
Our ballet instructors are certified in the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, which embraces sound movement principles and incorporates the best of the French, Italian, and Russian training methods. Our ballet classes are accompanied by professional pianists and conducted in a supportive environment that fosters the development of proper technique as well as confidence, poise, coordination, and personal well-being.
CURRICULUM
CHILDREN'S DIVISION
Classes for children ages 3–11 that provide a sound technical foundation while fostering a love for movement.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION: EVENING
Classes for students who may be interested in pursuing a professional career in dance. In this division, students are expected to attend classes regularly, train en pointe, and develop the level of discipline expected of professional dancers.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION: DAY
This intensive program is designed for students ages 10-18 who are interested in pursuing a professional career in ballet. The Day Program is by audition or invitation only.
PROFESSIONAL DIVISION
Invitation-only programs for dancers ready to bridge into professional work. This division includes the Trainee Program and the Studio Company.
COMMUNITY DIVISION
Open dance and yoga classes for teens and adults available on a drop-in basis, no enrollment required. All levels are welcome.
Susan E. Brackett Dance Center
With more than 28,000 square feet and six studios, learn more about the home of Oklahoma City Ballet and The Yvonne Chouteau School.
FACULTY
SCHOOL STAFF
ROBERT MILLS
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
RACHEAL NYE
SCHOOL DIRECTOR
AMANDA HERD-POPEJOY
MANAGER OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
MACAIRA PINTO
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR
TABITHA CARR-RHOADES
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
ANNA JANS
SCHOOL RECEPTIONIST
INSTRUCTORS
Victoria Bearden
Aboubacar Camara
Donn Edwards
Allie Fleischfresser
Thyrsa Da Rosa Hartel
ABT® Fellowship Teacher
Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye
Amanda Herd-Popejoy
ABT® Affiliate Teacher
DAYOUNG JUNG
CHARLES MARTIN
Walker Martin
ABT® Fellowship Teacher
Natalie Matsuura
ABT® Affiliate Teacher
Dr. Sterlin Mosley
Racheal Nye
Viktoria Page
ABT® Affiliate Teacher
Macaira Pinto
ABT® Affiliate Teacher
erica portell
ABT® Fellowship Teacher
Alexa Fioroni Slaughter
Jacob Sparso
Rebeca Romero
James Williams
ABT® Affiliate Teacher
ACCOMPANISTS
KAREN BENTLEY
YURY ERIVANOV
MIHO FISHER
CHARLES GLEASON
REGINALD SNODDY
DONALD TULLIUS
RICARDO VEIGA
TOOKAH SAPPER
The Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School is proud to include ABT® Affiliate and Fellowship Teachers who are certified in the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum. ABT® Affiliate Teacher is a level of distinction for ABT® Certified Teachers that successfully present their students for examinations; ABT® Fellowship Teachers have successfully presented their students for examinations three years in a row.
American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum Examinations
Each spring, these examinations allow young dancers to demonstrate their new skills and get feedback on technique from an ABT master teacher. If a student fulfills the requirements of their level, a certification will be delivered with their examination scores.
ELIGIBILITY
Primary
Level 1–4
Tights and leotards should be washed on a regular basis.
Tights should be footed; please do not wear cut-off tights.
All ballet slippers should have elastic straps sewn on securely across the ankles.
Drawstrings should be tied in a knot, trimmed, and tucked into the shoe.
No excess clothing should be worn in class. Tight-fitting ballet sweaters and leg warmers are appropriate during the winter months.
SCHOOL POLICIES
The Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School aims to provide the quality dance training necessary for a student to become a professional dancer. Classical ballet technique is the focus of training, as it is the wellspring from which all other concert dance techniques have developed. A strong ballet base is essential for all dancers and makes learning other techniques, such as jazz and modern dance, much easier and safer.
The well being of each student is of primary concern, and The Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School provides a nurturing and supportive environment for all students. Teaching methods utilize the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum and are based on proper body alignment and muscle usage to ensure the safe development of technique for each dancer. Our teaching methods also foster the development of confidence, poise, discipline, coordination, and personal well being.
Students are expected to work to their highest potential. In return, dancers will receive the personal care and attention to their training that they deserve.
A completed registration form and a $25 non-refundable registration fee is required for each student.
TUITION PAYMENT POLICIES
Upon enrollment, payment can be made by credit card, debit card, or ACH draft from your bank account. At least one form of payment is required to enroll. Cash payments still require a credit card on file.